French construction firm Bouygues Expands into US
French construction giant Bouygues Construction is strengthening its foothold in the American market with an impressive new venture.
Aimco, a subsidiary of Bouygues Bâtiment International that focuses on the US and Caribbean regions, has secured a contract to construct the high-end 34th Street Edgewater waterfront residential complex in Miami's sought-after Edgewater neighbourhood.
The project, a joint effort between Americaribe and Grycon, marks a significant milestone in the ongoing partnership between Aimco and Americaribe. The contract is valued at over $160 million, with Americaribe's portion amounting to $114 million.
The development features a 39-floor residential tower comprising 114 premium apartments and 75,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space.
Sustainability key to Bouygues
Situated in the desirable Edgewater district, between Downtown Miami and the Design District, the property offers unobstructed views of Biscayne Bay and convenient access to the city's cultural and commercial hubs.
Residents of 34th Street Edgewater will enjoy resort-style amenities, including a state-of-the-art fitness centre, a wellness lounge, and a suspended infinity pool. The development will also feature landscaped areas and electric vehicle charging stations.
Sustainability is a core focus of the 34th Street Edgewater project, from conception through construction and operation. The development is pursuing Gold certification from the Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC), adhering to science-based standards that address Florida's unique climate challenges and enhance environmental resilience.
Americaribe is implementing cutting-edge low-carbon solutions to minimise the project's environmental impact during both construction and operation.
As a regional pioneer in sustainable construction, the company is introducing measures such as on-site energy consumption monitoring, green energy for site illumination, construction waste management, and the use of eco-friendly building materials. These include 77% recycled steel, 60% recycled aluminium, FSC-certified wood, and low-carbon concrete for 10% of the project's total concrete volume.
Groundwater management a priority
To improve groundwater management, the project employs the innovative Deep Soil Mixing (DSM) technique instead of traditional dewatering methods. This approach reinforces soil by mixing binders in situ, reducing groundwater impact, accelerating work, and decreasing the project's carbon footprint.
Initial site work commenced in July 2024, with completion slated for summer 2027. The project will employ up to 200 workers during peak construction periods.
The 34th Street Edgewater development builds on the successful collaboration between Americaribe and American real estate firm Aimco, following their 2021 renovation of Flamingo South Beach in Florida.
Bouygues Construction has maintained a strong presence in the United States for over two decades, establishing itself as a key player in the construction industry.
The company's portfolio includes notable projects such as the luxury residential complex The Arte in Surfside and the tunnel connecting the Port of Miami to Watson Island.
About Bouygues Construction
Bouygues Construction is a global construction firm employing 32,500 people across 50 countries. The company aims to enhance daily life for millions by creating sustainable infrastructure and buildings that cater to essential needs such as housing, healthcare, education, employment, leisure, transportation, low-carbon energy production, and natural resource management.
The company states: "Throughout every project phase, we leverage our expertise and experience to design, renovate, and build innovatively, addressing critical environmental transition imperatives and achieving more sustainable, resource-efficient construction.
"We prioritise safety, human rights, and ethical standards daily. Our dedicated team, driven by strong values, works passionately alongside clients and partners to ensure an increasingly positive impact. In 2023, Bouygues Construction reported sales of €9.8 billion."
_______________________________
Check out the latest issue of Construction Digital and sign up to our global conference series, Manufacturing LIVE 2024. Construction Digital is a BizClik brand.